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Dörler D, Dorn V, Widhalm T, Horacek M, Heigl F, Euteneuer P, Leisch F, Frank T, Zaller JG. Experimental indications of gardeners' anecdotes that snails interfere with invasive slugs. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11309. [PMID: 34026350 PMCID: PMC8121057 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasive Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris) is an important pest species in agriculture and horticulture in Europe. In the last decades it has spread across the continent where it outcompetes native slug and snail species, thus posing a threat for biodiversity. A popular anecdote suggests to promote Roman snails (Helix pomatia) in gardens because they are able to control A. vulgaris. We examined a potential interrelationship between these two species using a mesocosm experiment with lettuce plants. 13C-15N stable isotope labelling of lettuce allowed us to investigate interactions between Helix and Arion on weight gain/loss and herbivory. Additionally, we wanted to know whether different watering regimes (daily vs. every 3rd day watering of weekly amount) and earthworms alter these interactions. Egg predation of Helix on Arion eggs was further tested in a food-choice experiment. Arion showed a five times higher herbivory per body mass than Helix in a single-species setting. However, in mesocosms containing both species percentage of herbivory per body mass was significantly lower than in Arion-only mesocosms, especially when watered every three days. Overall isotope uptake via eaten lettuce was unaffected by the presence of the other species. Only very little predation (three out of 200 eggs) of Helix on Arion eggs was observed. Our results provide no evidence for a clear dismissal or confirmation of the popular gardener’s anecdote that Helix snails have a negative effect on Arion abundance or herbivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dörler
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Dorn
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia Widhalm
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Micha Horacek
- Höhere Bundeslehr- und Forschungsanstalt Francisco Josephinum, BLT Wieselburg, Wieselburg, Austria
| | - Florian Heigl
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pia Euteneuer
- Experimental Farm Gross-Enzersdorf, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gross-Enzersdorf, Austria
| | - Friedrich Leisch
- Institute of Statistics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Frank
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann G Zaller
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Efficacy of chemical and biological slug control measures in response to watering and earthworms. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2954. [PMID: 30814638 PMCID: PMC6393454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39585-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Spanish Slug (Arion vulgaris, formerly known as Arion lusitanicus) is an invasive agricultural and horticultural pest species that causes great damages all over Europe. Numerous options to control this slug are on the market; among the most commonly used are slug pellets containing the active ingredients metaldehyde or iron-III-phosphate and the application of parasitic nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita). These control measures potentially also affect non-target organisms like earthworms (Lumbricidae), which themselves can directly and/or indirectly alter a plant’s susceptibility against slug herbivory. Also, the efficacy of slug control treatments is expected to be influenced by watering. In a greenhouse experiment we investigated the influence of daily watering vs. every third day watering on slug control efficacy and potential interactions with earthworms. We found significant interactions between watering and slug control efficacy. Slug herbivory and biomass decreased after application of slug pellets; metaldehyde was more effective under less frequent watering while iron-III-phosphate was unaffected by watering. Parasitic nematodes had no effect on slug herbivory and biomass production. Earthworm activity was reduced with less frequent watering but did not interact with slug control. We conclude that watering patterns should be considered when choosing slug control measures.
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Dörler D, Kropf M, Laaha G, Zaller JG. Occurrence of the invasive Spanish slug in gardens: can a citizen science approach help deciphering underlying factors? BMC Ecol 2018; 18:23. [PMID: 30068321 PMCID: PMC6071400 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-018-0179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris, also known as A. lusitanicus) is considered one of the most invasive species in agriculture, horticulture and private gardens all over Europe. Although this slug has been problematic for decades, there is still not much known about its occurrence across private gardens and the underlying meteorological and ecological factors. One reason for this knowledge gap is the limited access of researchers to private gardens. Here we used a citizen science approach to overcome this obstacle and examined whether the occurrence of Arionidae in Austrian gardens was associated with meteorological (air temperature, precipitation, global solar radiation, relative humidity) or ecological factors (plant diversity, earthworm activity). Occurrence of the invasive A. vulgaris versus the similar-looking native A. rufus was compared using a DNA-barcoding approach. RESULTS Slugs were collected from 1061 gardens from the dry Pannonian lowland to the wet alpine climate (altitudinal range 742 m). Slug abundance in gardens was best explained and negatively associated with the parameters "sum of the mean air temperature in spring", "number of frost days in the previous winter" and "mean daily global solar radiation on the day of data collection". Precipitation, plant diversity and earthworm activity were also related to slug abundance, but positively. Out of our genetic sampling of collected slugs, 92% belonged to A. vulgaris. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that citizen science (i) is a feasible approach to record species occurrence in restricted areas across a wide geographical range and (ii) could be more widely employed in order to identify underlying environmental factors of species occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dörler
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Kropf
- Institute for Integrative Nature Conservation Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Laaha
- Institute of Applied Statistics and Computing, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann G. Zaller
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Zaller JG, Cantelmo C, Santos GD, Muther S, Gruber E, Pallua P, Mandl K, Friedrich B, Hofstetter I, Schmuckenschlager B, Faber F. Herbicides in vineyards reduce grapevine root mycorrhization and alter soil microorganisms and the nutrient composition in grapevine roots, leaves, xylem sap and grape juice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:23215-23226. [PMID: 29862481 PMCID: PMC6096560 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2422-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Herbicides are increasingly applied in vineyards worldwide. However, not much is known on potential side effects on soil organisms or on the nutrition of grapevines (Vitis vinifera). In an experimental vineyard in Austria, we examined the impacts of three within-row herbicide treatments (active ingredients: flazasulfuron, glufosinate, glyphosate) and mechanical weeding on grapevine root mycorrhization; soil microorganisms; earthworms; and nutrient concentration in grapevine roots, leaves, xylem sap and grape juice. The three herbicides reduced grapevine root mycorrhization on average by 53% compared to mechanical weeding. Soil microorganisms (total colony-forming units, CFU) were significantly affected by herbicides with highest CFUs under glufosinate and lowest under glyphosate. Earthworms (surface casting activity, density, biomass, reproduction) or litter decomposition in soil were unaffected by herbicides. Herbicides altered nutrient composition in grapevine roots, leaves, grape juice and xylem sap that was collected 11 months after herbicide application. Xylem sap under herbicide treatments also contained on average 70% more bacteria than under mechanical weeding; however, due to high variability, this was not statistically significant. We conclude that interdisciplinary approaches should receive more attention when assessing ecological effects of herbicides in vineyard ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann G Zaller
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor Mendel Straße 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Clemens Cantelmo
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor Mendel Straße 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriel Dos Santos
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor Mendel Straße 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandrina Muther
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor Mendel Straße 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Edith Gruber
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor Mendel Straße 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Pallua
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor Mendel Straße 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Mandl
- Federal College and Reseach Center of Viticulture and Pomology, Wiener Straße 74, A-3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Friedrich
- Federal College and Reseach Center of Viticulture and Pomology, Wiener Straße 74, A-3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Ingrid Hofstetter
- Federal College and Reseach Center of Viticulture and Pomology, Wiener Straße 74, A-3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Bernhard Schmuckenschlager
- Federal College and Reseach Center of Viticulture and Pomology, Wiener Straße 74, A-3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Florian Faber
- Federal College and Reseach Center of Viticulture and Pomology, Wiener Straße 74, A-3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria
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Xiao Z, Wang X, Koricheva J, Kergunteuil A, Le Bayon R, Liu M, Hu F, Rasmann S. Earthworms affect plant growth and resistance against herbivores: A meta‐analysis. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenggao Xiao
- Soil Ecology LabCollege of Resources and Environmental SciencesNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of Neuchâtel Neuchatel Switzerland
| | - Xie Wang
- Soil and Fertilizer Research InstituteSichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences Chengdu China
| | - Julia Koricheva
- School of Biological SciencesRoyal Holloway University of London Egham UK
| | - Alan Kergunteuil
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of Neuchâtel Neuchatel Switzerland
| | | | - Manqiang Liu
- Soil Ecology LabCollege of Resources and Environmental SciencesNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization Nanjing China
| | - Feng Hu
- Soil Ecology LabCollege of Resources and Environmental SciencesNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization Nanjing China
| | - Sergio Rasmann
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of Neuchâtel Neuchatel Switzerland
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Cao J, Wang C, Ji D. Improvement of the soil nitrogen content and maize growth by earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soils polluted by oxytetracycline. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 571:926-934. [PMID: 27496075 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Rhizophagus intraradices, AM fungi) have been suggested to improve the maize nitrogen (N) content and biomass and were studied in soils polluted by oxytetracycline (OTC). Maize was planted and amended with AMF and/or earthworms (E) in the soil with low (1mgkg(-1) soil DM) or high (100mgkg(-1) soil DM) amounts of OTC pollution in comparison to soil without OTC. The root colonization, shoot and root biomass, shoot and root N contents, soil nitrogen forms, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) were measured at harvest. The results indicated that OTC decreased maize shoot and root biomass (p<0.05) by mediating the soil urease activity and AOB and AOA abundance, which resulted in a lower N availability for maize roots and shoots. There was a significant interaction between earthworms and AM fungi on the urease activity in soil polluted by OTC (p<0.05). Adding earthworms or AM fungi could increase the maize biomass and N content (p<0.05) in OTC polluted soil by increasing the urease activity and relieving the stress from OTC on the soil N cycle. AM fungi and earthworms interactively increased maize shoot and root biomass (p<0.05) in the OTC polluted soils through their regulation of the urease activity and the abundance of ammonia oxidizers, resulting in different soil NH4(+)-N and NO3(-)-N contents, which may contribute to the N content of maize shoots and roots. Earthworms and AM fungi could be used as an efficient method to relieve the OTC stress in agro-ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Cao
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China
| | - Chong Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, China.
| | - Dingge Ji
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China
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Paudel S, Longcore T, MacDonald B, McCormick MK, Szlavecz K, Wilson GWT, Loss SR. Belowground interactions with aboveground consequences: Invasive earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Ecology 2016; 97:605-14. [PMID: 27197388 DOI: 10.1890/15-1085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A mounting body of research suggests that invasive nonnative earthworms substantially alter microbial communities, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These changes to AMF can cascade to affect plant communities and vertebrate populations. Despite these research advances, relatively little is known about (1) the mechanisms behind earthworms' effects on AMF and (2) the factors that determine the outcomes of earthworm-AMF interactions (i.e., whether AMF abundance is increased or decreased and subsequent effects on plants). We predict that AMF-mediated effects of nonnative earthworms on ecosystems are nearly universal because (1) AMF are important components of most terrestrial ecosystems, (2) nonnative earthworms have become established in nearly every type of terrestrial ecosystem, and (3) nonnative earthworms, due to their burrowing and feeding behavior, greatly affect AMF with potentially profound concomitant effects on plant communities. We highlight the multiple direct and indirect effects of nonnative earthworms on plants and review what is currently known about the interaction between earthworms and AMF. We also illustrate how the effects of nonnative earthworms on plant-AMF mutualisms can alter the structure and stability of aboveground plant communities, as well as the vertebrate communities relying on these habitats. Integrative studies that assess the interactive effects of earthworms and AMF can provide new insights into the role that belowground ecosystem engineers play in altering aboveground ecological processes. Understanding these processes may improve our ability to predict the structure of plant and animal communities in earthworm-invaded regions and to develop management strategies that limit the numerous undesired impacts of earthworms.
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Gaupp-Berghausen M, Hofer M, Rewald B, Zaller JG. Glyphosate-based herbicides reduce the activity and reproduction of earthworms and lead to increased soil nutrient concentrations. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12886. [PMID: 26243044 PMCID: PMC4542661 DOI: 10.1038/srep12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbicide use is increasing worldwide both in agriculture and private gardens. However, our knowledge of potential side-effects on non-target soil organisms, even on such eminent ones as earthworms, is still very scarce. In a greenhouse experiment, we assessed the impact of the most widely used glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup on two earthworm species with different feeding strategies. We demonstrate, that the surface casting activity of vertically burrowing earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) almost ceased three weeks after herbicide application, while the activity of soil dwelling earthworms (Aporrectodea caliginosa) was not affected. Reproduction of the soil dwellers was reduced by 56% within three months after herbicide application. Herbicide application led to increased soil concentrations of nitrate by 1592% and phosphate by 127%, pointing to potential risks for nutrient leaching into streams, lakes, or groundwater aquifers. These sizeable herbicide-induced impacts on agroecosystems are particularly worrisome because these herbicides have been globally used for decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mailin Gaupp-Berghausen
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Gregor Mendel Straße 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Hofer
- Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Peter-Jordan Straße 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Boris Rewald
- Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Peter-Jordan Straße 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann G. Zaller
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Gregor Mendel Straße 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria
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